How to Dress for A Ball

What to Wear When…Dressing for a Ball.

When First Lady Michelle Obama, arrived at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration dressed in a Jason Wu ball gown, she was the sophisticated personification of my American Fashion Dream: a return to classic elegance at the White House.

But, we she stepped out in this Peter Sorenson, killer ball gown pictured above…she was beyond gorgeous.

While we all can’t look as amazing as Mrs. Obama on a daily basis, we can dress for a ball in the same sartorial splendor as the First Lady. If if you have plans to attends a swanky black tie soiree, you too can make a beautiful entrance and exit in a ball gown fit for a First Lady or a Fashion Queen.

Here’s how to dress for a ball:

For women, the proper ball gown is a dynamic duo of long layers of fabric and a fluid silhouette that hugs you in all the right places.

A ball gown is undoubtedly a style star and should be the most elegant ensemble you can afford. To prepare for your glide into elegance at a formal ball you must:

Select your ball gown a minimum of 3 to 6 months before the event.

If you cannot afford a designer creation off the rack, scour the vintage stores for a one-of-a-kind creation. After making a purchase, whisk your ball gown to your tailor immediately.

A properly fitting ball gown is a necessity, not a luxury.

No need to default to solid black to make a style statement.

As long as the gown fits well–and is in a hue that matches your skin tone–you will be well dressed for a ball. However, if you are attending a debutante ball: Never wear white.

This color is reserved for the debutantes only.

Accessories are not optional for a ball gown.

Crack open the safe or dust off your fabulous costume fakes; your best bejeweled accessories have an important style appointment. Wear your best accessories to complement a seductive sweetheart neckline or add a bit of swagger to your wrist and ring game.

If you choose a strapless or sleeveless ball gown, long gloves add a retro touch to your ensemble.

Proper etiquette dictates that you wear the gloves during your entrance into the ball; however, you can discard the opera length accessories during dinner and while twirling on the dance floor.

Can you wear pants to a formal ball?

In my opinion, pants should never be worn to a formal ball. However, if the modern woman has an affinity for pants, choose palazzos.

These long, billowy, wide-leg pants are known to hide a multitude of sins, and if worn in a silk crepe, jersey or satin could be an eclectic substitute for full-skirted ball attire.

A ball is an occasion that demands attire that radiates splendor and undisputed opulence.

Whether you are cloaked in this season’s style favorites or wish to revive an old ball gown hiding in the recesses of your closet, put your best fashion foot forward.

Who knows? Just like Mrs. O, every eye may be transfixed on you as you enter the room.